Hunger to be Called Up and Driven by the Game
Jake Clifford is more than numbers. With a quickly evolving career, the following begs to differ: 4, 13, 5 and 2. Four years as a founder of Arizona State’s D1 program (including making the NCAA tournament), thirteen points in forty nine games, and fifth in rookies for shots on goal. The last number of two is a possible answer to current and future success. Two defines the type of player Clifford has become and looks to stay. A two way player that spends his ice time working on drills for both offensive and defensive positions; he doesn’t question the high caliber that is asked of him, he runs straight at it. Between a mutual love of the game and similiar driven mindsets, a conversation seemed inevitable. We covered life after college, how to pivot within a fast changing league, and exactly where Clifford is going next.
First image: Clifford with Tulsa Oilers for his 2019-2020 rookie season, Second image: Clifford during his final season at Arizona State University
Image on left property of Les Stockton
During our conversation, it was easy to understand why Jake Clifford has reached the level he finds himself in now. There was a seamless balance of confidence and moving with adversity mentality that etched its way throughout the conversation. This is not something that one would learn quickly, you build it over time. Much of Clifford’s can be attributed to a single individual: his dad. His dad wasn’t a simple figure that occasionally showed up at games or commented on play in the way parents often do. He was present at every pivotal moment that would build Clifford’s career. Beyond the common notion of putting a young kid on the ice and teaching him to skate, I find what Mr. Clifford did in the years to come with his son to be indispensable.
When asked who pushed him the most, without hesitation, Clifford answered, “My dad, he never counted me out.” going on to say that his dad focused on what he could have done better. Mr. Clifford chose a constructive and smart mindset that required looking at any failure as research rather than a reason to stop trying. This being a striking similarity to how many of the extremely impactful players within the NHL came to their elite status. It’s clear Clifford himself has naturally slipped into this mindset as he has grown up and will use it to his full advantage when he plays.
The training he tells me varies by organization and coach, but stresses that a player’s physical performance needs to be met with dedication during the off season and personally for him, strength based workouts. Whether it comes natural to him or he is just using the mindset his dad instilled, there were two things that came to the top of his mind when asked what he wanted to work on. Clifford emphasized sharpening puck-handling or anticipating uncomfortable touches in the defensive zone. Moving on to his signature style of play or whether that was based game by game, Clifford said he “contributes offensively when appropriate” and plays physical, but overall he is more tuned into being a two way player that protects the net.
At 6’1 and a strong build, each shift that Clifford skates presents a elite defensive talent. Rather than getting sent to the box for small penalties or wasting hits, he strives to block shots and makes smart decisions. This allowing the team to have a stronger man on man and keep the puck down the ice. He comes in as a complete defenseman that recognizes quickly where he can carry the puck including two games with multiple points this past season. It’s evident that he works from the team first thread and will only succeed if he plays to the high mental aspect of the game that professional hockey asks.
The trend reads clear. Much like the emerging younger talent playing on the ice, Jake Clifford pivots. He requires himself to be a two way player. He focuses on faster and stronger in place of only playing physical. He carries weight on the ice and in the locker room. He pivots. The above have all come to be pieces that the NHL only wants more of on their roster possibly indicating where Clifford will go next.
While there are certain pros to getting drafted at eighteen and slipping immediately into the NHL caliber, there is also an increasing amount of athletes that choose to attend college prior. Clearly Clifford held himself to the same standard that he did with his athletic abilities. This culminated in him receiving the prestigious honor of Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholar Athlete of the Year that is only awarded to students with a particular level of athletic stature, hold a GPA of at least 3.2 or greater, and are active in their community. Clifford left Arizona State University as a scholarship student with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication from the W.P. Carey School of Business. He ended his final year with a Master’s in Sport Law and Business holding a Cum Laude average (3.5-3.7). Both graduating from Arizona State in 2019, I wanted to hear his mindset on post grad life and the fast pace of being a professional athlete.
Earlier discussing education, Clifford was quick to admit that he “never knew what [he] wanted until later” leading him to choose general business and find his passion in the sports industry as he was finishing his time on campus. I found this honesty both refreshing and relatable. When asked more in depth, Clifford went on to add that “sports as a whole” was something he recognized he loved and would want to do whether he was playing or not. I believe it’s safe to say with the degrees he holds and entrepreneurial edge, a drive for sports, and first hand experience, Clifford will have no problem going towards exactly what he wants after he skates for the last time.
We covered a variety of topics and as we were finishing the questions I had set up, the remaining few may been my favorite. The last few read: Why Hockey and What The Game Means To You. Two very basic questions that could only be answered in the typical Clifford tone I had begun to pick up on throughout our talk. Clifford says simply and almost instantly that he was “heavily influenced by [his] dad” and the time he took with him ending on how hockey is “unbelievable” because it is such a big part of who he is. Once he was on the ice at two and had begun to watch the Bruins, that was it. He continued to describe the impact the game has had on him transforming into becoming a permanent part of his identity.
Although he can attribute much of his free time and sense of self to the game, Clifford knows there’s more. I could hear his excitement as he said “I know I shouldn’t say this because I’m still playing, but I’m really excited for life after hockey” and later adds that he tries not to stress and takes everything day by day. Clifford mentioned that one of the biggest proponents he works from is taking adversity for what it is. On that note, I came across a quote about adversity during one of my writing breaks for this piece and thought of him instantly. It read “Adversity does not build character. It reveals it.” which I found was spot on.
People often ask a professional athlete if a younger version of themselves could see where they are now, what would they say? I would like to think that a younger Clifford would not only be moved by the quality of player he has evolved into, but the quality of individual. Whether it’s in business or in the game, Clifford knows what he wants.